Deadline day: Clubs set to keep stars as window slams shut

Football clubs throughout Scotland will be looking to add their squads one last time this year before the transfer window slams shut.

Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen will all be among the teams looking to secure a last minute deal that could be the final piece in the jigsaw they need to compete in Europe and challenge for trophies.

However they will also be looking to keep a hold of their own top talent and will be wary of any last minute bids.

Rangers players Ryan Kent, who is said to have sparked interest from Leeds United after a good start to the season, and Alfredo Morelos, who has been linked with a move away for most of the last year, both look set to stay.

As do Celtic stars Odsonne Edouard, Kris Ajer and Callum McGregor who have all been linked with big money offers in recent months.

Meanwhile Neil Lennon will be hopeful of bringing in a left-back, after losing both Johnny Hayes and Boli Bolingoli, with the champions also said to be making a move for former Scotland star Robert Snodgrass.

Asked about Snodgrass after Celtic’s win over St Johnstone Lennon said: “I’m not talking about any speculation.

“You could throw any number of names at me but we are working on one or two things and hopefully we can accomplish that.”

League rivals Rangers are looking to bring in a midfielder, with Preston’s Daniel Johnson a target, but their assistant manager believes they will only make a move if they can find a player ready to force his way in to the starting line-up.

Gary McAllister said: “At a place like this we are continually looking to improve and try to get better and if something positive happens that will be good. We just have to wait and see what happens.

“Ross (Wilson) is in complete charge of that and over the piece since we’ve been here, we have always been able to show a bit of imagination to create a deal and make something happen.”

Manager Steven Gerrard has warned the Gers board his team risk standing still if they do not make an addition before Monday’s midnight cut-off point.

Aberdeen have been linked with a move for wing-back Greg Leigh after the Englishman impressed while on loan at Pittodrie from Dutch side NAC Breda last season.

The deadline was extended due to the effects of coronavirus and will now close at 11pm on Monday as a result.